Read vendor contracts before signing
A wedding vendor contract is often the only thing standing between you and a canceled photographer two weeks before the big day. Reading it closely now saves painful surprises later.
What every contract must spell out
Look for six things: exact services included (hours, deliverables, number of shooters or staff), arrival/departure times, the cancellation and refund policy, the full payment schedule with due dates, a backup plan if the vendor is sick or goes out of business, and overtime rates per hour. For photo and video vendors, confirm who legally owns the final images and files, and how long you'll wait to receive them.
Never sign on the spot
Ask to take the contract home, even if the vendor is friendly and in demand. Read it twice, once for what's included and once for what's missing. If a term is vague, like 'reasonable delivery time,' ask for a specific number of weeks in writing. Reputable vendors expect negotiation and won't pressure you to sign during the meeting.
Red flags worth pushing back on
Watch for 100% upfront payment, no cancellation clause for the vendor's side, vague 'similar substitute' language for no-shows, and missing dates or names. If a florist or caterer won't put your agreed price and menu in writing, get it added before you pay a deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm services, hours, and deliverables are spelled out exactly, not implied
- Get the full payment schedule and cancellation policy in writing
- Ask what happens if the vendor can't perform, and who they'd send instead
- Take the contract home; never sign under pressure at the meeting
- Push back on vague terms and get specifics like dates and dollar amounts added
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Source: weddy.app